Single Camera Device And Method For 3D Video Imaging Using A Refracting Lens Array

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of the present invention may include an apparatus that captures 3D images having a lens barrel. The lens barrel may include a lens disposed at the first end of the lens barrel, an image capture element at the second end of the lens barrel, and a pair of refracting lenses positioned along the optical axis of the lens barrel. The first and second refracting lenses may be mounted to a first set and second set of positioning elements. The image capture element may capture images continuously at a predetermined frame rate, and the first and second set of positioning elements may continuously change the position of the first and second refracting lenses among a series of predetermined correlated positions based on the predetermined frame rate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The Application claims priority as a Continuation of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/320,309 filed on Jan. 23,2009. The foregoing Application is commonly assigned, and is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to three-dimensional (3D) imaging andmore particularly to a device and method for capturing 3D images andvideo using a camera having a single lens barrel.

2. Description of the Related Art

Non-contact three-dimensional cameras, or digitizers, generally fallinto four categories: stereoscopic digitizers, silhouette digitizers,timing digitizers, and projected pattern digitizers.

Stereoscopic digitizers traditionally employ multiple two-dimensional(2D) cameras to produce multiple viewing angles to capture multipleimages of the target object from different angles. A 2D camera ispositioned at a known offset relative to other 2D cameras. Given thepositions of each camera it is possible to provide a correlationalgorithm the necessary variables to identify the three-dimensionallocation of objects in the images.

Stereoscopic digitizers attempt to mimic the visual and mentalfacilities of the eyes and brain to identify the location of objectsurfaces in 3D space. The eyes 20 and brain 25 work in conjunction toobtain a three-dimensional mental model of the target object 5 (FIG. 1).Each eye 20 captures its own view (10 a and 10 b) and the two separateimages which are processed by the brain 25. Each eye 20 has a slightlydifferent placement, resulting in a different point of view and field ofview 10 a (left) and 10 b (right) of the target object 5. As a result,each eye obtains a slightly different left image 15 a and right image 15b of the target object 5. When the two images 15 a and 15 b arrivesimultaneously in the back of the brain, they are united into one model,by matching up the similarities and adding in the small differences.Using the two images 15 a and 15 b, the brain compares the right image15 a and left image 15 b to identify the number and magnitude of thesimilarities between the images to correlate the relationship betweenthe images. Using the correlation between the images, the brain createsa 3D model of the target object 5.

A minimum requirement for stereoscopic digitizers is the ability toobtain two images from two different points of view. FIG. 2 illustratesa conventional 3D stereoscopic camera setup. Conventionally, obtainingthe minimum two images is done with two distinct 2D cameras 50 a and 50b, each positioned at a pre-defined distance from one another. Each 2Dcamera 50 includes an image pickup device, such as a CCD 30 and lens 35positioned along an optical axis 40. Each camera 50 is positioned topoint to the same target object 45.

By using an algorithm to identify the similar surfaces in the imageobtained from camera 50 a and camera 50 b, and given the pre-defineddistance between the cameras 50, the algorithm computes thethree-dimensional location of the surface of target object 45.

One problem with stereoscopic digitizers is that they are generally bothbulky and expensive because they require the use of multiple 2D cameras.Furthermore, the performance of the 3D camera setup is dependent on thecareful configuration and alignment of the 2D cameras. Any change in thedistance between the cameras or the angle between the cameras can poseproblems to the pattern recognition algorithm, forcing there-calibration of the hardware and software for the changed positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a SINGLE CAMERA DEVICE AND METHOD FOR 3DVIDEO IMAGING USING A REFRACTING LENS ARRAY.

An example embodiment of the present invention may include an apparatusthat captures 3D images having a lens barrel. The lens barrel mayinclude a lens disposed at the first end of the lens barrel, an imagecapture element at the second end of the lens barrel, and a pair ofrefracting lenses positioned along the optical axis of the lens barrel.The first refracting lens may be mounted to a first set of positioningelements and the second refracting lens may be mounted to a second setof positioning elements. The first set of positioning elements and thesecond set of positioning elements may be configured to position thefirst refracting lens and second refracting lens such that a light beam,representing the center of the field of view, entering the lens barrelat a first angle, relative to the optical axis, is refracted by thefirst refracting lens to a second angle, relative to the optical axis,and then refracted to the center of the image capture element. The imagecapture element may capture images continuously at a predetermined framerate, and the first and second set of positioning elements maycontinuously change the position of the first and second refractinglenses among a series of predetermined correlated positions.

Another example embodiment of the present invention may include a methodfor capturing 3D images. The method may include passing light through alens at a first end of a lens barrel, capturing the light using an imagecapture element at a second end of the lens barrel, and positioning afirst and second refracting lenses along an optical axis of the lensbarrel. The method may also include positioning the first refractinglens and second refracting lens such that a light beam, representing thecenter of the field of view, entering the lens barrel at a first angle,relative to the optical axis, is refracted by the first refracting lensto a second angle, relative to the optical axis, and then refractedtowards the center of the image capture element. The method may alsofurther include capturing images continuously at a predefined framerate, and continuously changing the position of the first and secondrefracting lenses between different positions at a rate corresponding tothe predetermined frame rate.

The present invention can be embodied in various forms, includingdigital and non-digital image capturing devices and methods, roboticimaging devices, virtual simulations, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other more detailed and specific features of the presentinvention are more fully disclosed in the following specification,reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the basic principles of stereoscopy.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the conventional implementation of astereoscopic camera.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the componentsof the lens barrel in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an application of the example embodiment ofthe components of the lens barrel with respect to distant objects inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an application of the example embodiment ofthe components of the lens barrel with respect to near objects inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousdetails are set forth, such as flowcharts and system configurations, inorder to provide an understanding, of one or more embodiments of thepresent invention. However, it is and will be apparent to one skilled inthe art that these specific details are not required in order topractice the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a 3D camera100 in accordance with the present invention.

Camera 100 may receive an image, via a light source, through lens barrel122, which includes a lens 102, a pair of refracting lenses 104 a and104 b, and an imager 106. Imager 106 may be an image capture device.Alternatively, imager 106 may be an image pickup medium or a prism thatdeflects light at the end of the lens barrel 122 to an image pickupmedium.

An image captured by imager 106 may pass to digital signal processor(DSP) 110, which may convert the image into a digitally storable format,such as a bitmap, jpeg, or other format appropriate for analysis. DSP110 may be a conventional 2D type digital signal processor or aspecialized processor for processing image data from imager 106. Camera100 may also include a CPU 114 for controlling Application-SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC) 112, and thereby control DSP 110 and LIRseparator 116.

Left/right image separator (L/R separator) 116 may de-multiplex theimage data output from DSP 110 into two independent outputs which areprovided to HDSDI encoders 118 a and 118 b. The outputs of HDSDIencoders 118 a and 118 b pass through an external interface of camera100 to a recording medium or transmission medium.

By properly refracting incoming light using refracting lenses 104 a and104 b, camera 100 may capture two distinct images of a target objectwithout using a plurality of lens barrels 122 or moving lens barrel 122.Camera 100 may quickly capture the two distinct images or record 3Dvideo by operating the various components in a synchronized fashion. Tocapture 3D images or 3D video, camera 100 may operate imager 106, DSP110, refracting lens controller 108, and L/R Separator 116, at a uniformfrequency; for example, imager 106 may operate at a frame rate of 60frames per second (60 fps). This frame rate is provided to refractinglens controller 108, DSP 110, and L/R Separator 116. Imager 106 may alsoprovide information to refracting lens controller 108 to optimizestereoscopy effects by adjusting the separation and convergence ofrefracting lenses 104 a and 104 b based on the frame rate and output ofimager 106.

During capture, refracting lens controller 108 may continually re-alignthe position of the refracting lenses 104 a and 104 b at a ratecorresponding to the frame rate of the imager 106, e.g, 60 adjustmentsper second, ensuring that each frame captured by imager 106 representsan alternate image, e.g., a left image and a right image. The output ofimager 106 is processed by DSP 110. The output of the DSP 110 isde-multiplexed by L/R separator 116, which may use a timede-multiplexing technique or other technique, in synchronization withthe refracting lens controller 108 and imager 106 to produce twoindependent outputs which are encoded by HDSDI encoders 118 a and 118 b.However, it will be understood that the frame rate may be dictated bythe available hardware, particular implementation, and situationallighting.

While the example embodiment performs stereoscopy using two refractinglenses 104 a and 104 b to create two points of view, it is equallypossible to perform stereoscopy using any number of refracting lenses orany number of viewing angles while remaining within the spirit of thepresent invention. For example, refracting lenses 104 a and 104 b canalternate between 3, 4, or 5 aligned positions to obtain 3, 4, or 5viewing angles using a single lens barrel and single imager. Refractinglens controller 108 only needs to be capable of aligning the refractinglenses 104 a and 104 b to produce a different viewing angle insynchronization with the frame rate of the imager 106.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a lens barrel 122, having optical axis204, in accordance with the present invention.

Lens barrel 122 is directed towards target object 210. Lens barrel 122includes lens 102, two refracting lenses 104 a and 104 b, imager 106,and piezoelectric devices 202 a-202 d, positioned along optical axis204. Piezoelectric devices 202 a and 202 b adjust the position ofrefracting lens 104 a, and piezoelectric devices 202 c and 202 d adjustthe position of refracting lens 104 b.

Piezoelectric devices 202 a-202 d are controlled by currents andvoltages from refracting lens controller 108. Via piezoelectric devices202 a-202 d, refracting lens controller 108 may change the positions ofrefracting lenses 104 a and 104 b in synchronization with the frame rateof imager 106. It is noted that piezoelectric devices 202 are used onlyfor exemplary purposes and that, alternatively, piezoelectric devices202 may be replaced with any combination of mechanical or electricaldevices that may position the refracting lenses at the necessarypositions at a rate corresponding to the frame rate of the imager 106.

Lens 102 and refracting lenses 104 a and 104 b, may take many forms, andmay be formed of various substances or polymers including, but notlimited to, glass, liquids, gels, or plastics. Imager 106 may be or maybe used in conjunction with a CCD, CMOS, or any alternative lightcapturing mechanism.

Computing devices such as those discussed herein generally, such as forexample, CPU 114, ASIC 112, and DSP 110 may each include instructionsexecutable by one or more processors. Computer-executable instructionsmay be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using avariety of programming languages and/or technologies known to thoseskilled in the art, including, without limitation, and either alone orin combination, Java™, C, C++, Assembly, etc. In general, a processor(e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, e.g., from a memory, acomputer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions, therebyperforming one or more processes, including one or more of the processesdescribed herein. Such instructions and other data may be stored andtransmitted using a variety of known computer-readable media.

Similarly the output of imager 106, DSP 110, L/R separator 116, HDSDI118 a, and HDSDI 118 b also produce output that may be stored on acomputer readable medium or transmitted via a transmission medium.

A computer-readable medium includes any medium that participates inproviding data (e.g., instructions or images), which may be read by acomputer. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limitedto, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks andother persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random accessmemory (DRAM), which typically constitutes a main memory. Transmissionmedia include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, includingthe wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor.Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves andelectromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radiofrequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms ofcomputer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexibledisk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM,DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any otherphysical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, aFLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave asdescribed hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer canread.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a lens barrel 122 during the stereoscopicimaging process. The lens barrel 122 is directed at a distant targetobject 210. By changing the position and alignment of refracting lenses104 a and 104 b, camera 100 may capture two viewing angles of targetobject 210.

FIG. 5A shows light beam 212 coming from target object 210 into lens102. Since target object 210 is distant, the light beam 212 from targetobject 210 is effectively parallel to the optical axis 204 of the lensbarrel 122. In FIG. 5A, light beam 212 represents the center of thefirst (e.g., left) stereoscopic image captured by imager 106, and fieldof view 213 represents the range (e.g., width and/or height) of thecaptured image.

Light beam 212 is first refracted by refracting lens 104 a towards thecenter of refracting lens 104 b. Refracting lens 104 b refracts lightbeam 212 towards the center of imager 106. Furthermore andalternatively, refracting lens 104 b may be aligned so that light beam212 will approach imager 106 at a perpendicular angle to imager 106 andparallel to optical axis 204, thereby providing the maximum possiblelight to the surface of imager 106.

Since light beam 212 is initially offset from the optical axis 204 butis refracted to the center of imager 106, the image captured by imager106 will have a different point of view and field of view 213 than anon-refracted image.

FIG. 5B illustrates light beam 214 coming from target object 210 intolens 102. Since target object 210 is distant, the light beam 214 fromtarget object 210 is effectively parallel to the optical axis 204 of thelens barrel 122. In FIG. 5B, light beam 214 represents the center of thesecond (e.g., right) stereoscopic image captured by imager 106, andfield of view 213 represents the range (e.g., width or height) of thecaptured image.

Light beam 214 is first refracted by refracting lens 104 a towards thecenter of refracting lens 104 b. Refracting lens 104 b refracts lightbeam 214 towards the center of imager 106. Furthermore andalternatively, refracting lens 104 b may be aligned so that light beam214 will approach imager 106 at an angle perpendicular to imager 106,thereby providing the maximum possible light to imager 106.

Light beam 214 is offset from the optical axis 204, but is refracted tothe center of imager 106, causing the image captured by imager 106 tohave a different point of view and field of view 215 from anon-refracted image.

The refracting lens configuration of FIG. 5A may produce a differentimage than the refracting lens configuration of FIG. 5B because eachconfiguration has a different point of view and field of view, 213 and215, respectively. Each field of view 213 and 215 gives the camera aslightly different image range, and the different points of view exposethe imager 106 to different angles of the target object. While, withdistant objects these distinctions may be subtle, the differences may besufficient to identify the respective three-dimensional location of thesurfaces of the target object 210.

During capture, lens barrel 122 may change configuration from FIG. 5A toFIG. 5B, and vice versa, at a frequency comparable to the frame rate ofimager 106. For example if the imager operates at a frequency of 60images per second (60 fps) then lens barrel 122 must cycle between theconfiguration from FIG. 5A to the configuration of FIG. 5B within each1/60 seconds. By continually changing the configuration of therefracting lenses, it is possible to obtain 3-D video or images oftarget object 210 at a frame rate of 1/30^(th) of a second, i.e., 1image pair per 1/30 seconds.

The depth perception of the device may be improved by increasing theratio between the distance between the points of view and the distanceof lens barrel 122 to the target object 210. This can be accomplished byeither moving the target object closer to lens 102 or increasing theradius of lens barrel 122, lens 102, and refracting lenses 104 a and 104b. This increases the divergence between fields of view 213 and 215.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate two configurations of a lens barrel 122having the target object 210 closer to lens barrel 122 than in FIGS. 5Aand 5B. Alternatively, FIGS. 6A and 6B could also illustrate a lensbarrel 122 having a greater radius, as compared to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 6A shows light beam 224 coming from target object 210 into lens102. Since target object 210 is nearby, the light beam 224 from targetobject 210 is slanted relative to the optical axis 204. In FIG. 6A,light beam 224 represents the center of the first stereoscopic imagecaptured by imager 106, and field of view 225 represents the range(e.g., width or height) of the captured image.

Similarly, FIG. 6B shows light beam 226 coming from target object 210into lens 102. Since target object 210 is nearby, the light beam 226from target object 210 is slanted relative to the optical axis 204. InFIG. 6B, light beam 226 represents the center of the second stereoscopicimage captured by imager 106, and field of view 227 represents the range(e.g., width or height) of the captured image.

In both FIGS. 6A and 6B, refracting lens 104 a is aligned so that lightbeams 224 and 226 are first refracted by refracting lens 104 a towardsthe center of refracting lens 104 b. Refracting lens 104 b is aligned sothat light beams 224 and 226 are refracted towards the center of imager106. Furthermore and alternatively, refracting lens 104 b may be alignedso that light beams 224 and 226 may approach imager 106 at an angleperpendicular to imager 106, and parallel to the optical axis 204, toprovide the maximum possible light to image 106.

Since the arrangement in FIG. 6A has field of view 225 and FIG. 6B hasfield of view 227, which are offset from one another but are refractedto the center of imager 106, the images captured by imager 106 for eachconfiguration will appear to be from different points of view. Thisprovides greater differences in the resulting images and thereby mayimprove depth perception compared to the configurations of FIGS. 5A and5B.

While embodiments herein are discussed primarily with respect to asystem embodiment, apparatus embodiment, and lens barrel configurations,the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, differentvarious lens barrel 122 configurations and positioning mechanisms may beemployed in positioning the refracting lenses 104 a and 104 b.

For example, it may be possible to replace piezoelectric devices 202with alternative mechanical or electrical devices. For example, analternative embodiment may position the refracting lenses at a staticangle and rotate the lens barrel 122, or the refracting lenses 104 a and104 b, at a rate corresponding to the frame rate of the imager 106. Asthis may have the same result as switching between different lens barrelconfigurations. Alternatively, an implementation may use thepiezoelectric devices in conjunction with another mechanical orelectrical approach to achieve the necessary synchronized positioning ofthe refracting lenses 104 a and 104 b in accordance with the frame rateof the imager 106.

Although embodiments of the invention are discussed primarily withrespect to apparatuses for using a modified lens barrel and cameraobtaining multiple images having different fields of view, and forobtaining three-dimensional images and video, other uses and featuresare possible. For example, an alternative embodiment may relate to aholographic projection device which can be formed by replacing imager106 in lens barrel 122 with a projector LCD, thereby making it possibleto alternatively project images onto a surface from two different pointsof view. Such dual or multiple projection-angle devices may create theappearance of a hologram on a target object. Various embodimentsdiscussed herein are merely illustrative, and not restrictive, of theinvention.

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, suchas examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of theinvention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details,or with other apparatuses, systems, assemblies, methods, components,materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of thepresent invention.

Thus embodiments of the present invention produce and provide SINGLECAMERA DEVICE AND METHOD FOR 3D VIDEO IMAGING USING A REFRACTING LENSARRAY. Although the present invention has been described in considerabledetail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, the invention maybe variously embodied without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. Therefore, the following claims should not be limited to thedescription of the embodiments contained herein in any way.

1. An apparatus for capturing 3D images including a lens barrel having afirst end where light enters the lens barrel and a second end,comprising: a lens disposed at the first end of the lens barrel; animage capture element at the second end of the lens barrel; a firstrefracting lens positioned along the optical axis of the lens barrel,the first refracting lens being mounted to a first set of positioningelements, the first set of positioning elements for changing theposition and angle of the first refracting lens; and a second refractinglens positioned along the optical axis of the lens barrel between thefirst refracting lens and the image capture element, the secondrefracting lens being mounted to a second set of positioning elements,the second set of positioning elements for changing the position andangle of the second refracting lens.
 2. The apparatus for capturing 3Dimages of claim 1, wherein the first set of positioning elements and thesecond set of positioning elements are configured to align the firstrefracting lens and second refracting lens such that a light beam,representing the center of the field of view, entering the lens barrelat a first angle, relative to the optical axis, is refracted by thefirst refracting lens to a second angle, relative to the optical axis,and then refracted to the center of the image capture element.
 3. Theapparatus for capturing 3D images of claim 1, wherein the first set ofpositioning elements and the second set of positioning elements areconfigured to shift the first refracting lens and second refracting lenssuch that light entering the lens barrel at a first angle, relative tothe optical axis, is refracted by the first refracting lens to a secondangle, relative to the optical axis, and then refracted to be parallelto the optical axis by the second refracting lens.
 4. The apparatus forcapturing 3D images of claim 1, wherein the image capture elementcaptures images continually at a predetermined frame rate.
 5. Theapparatus for capturing 3D images of claim 4, wherein the first set ofpositioning elements are adapted to continually change the position ofthe first refracting lens to one position in a first series ofpredetermined positions; the second set of positioning elements areadapted to continually change the position of the second refracting lensto one position in a second series of predetermined positions; thepositions in the first series of predetermined positions beingcorrelated to the positions in the second series of predeterminedpositions.
 6. The apparatus for capturing 3D images of claim 4, whereinthe first set of positioning elements and the second set of positioningelements are adapted to change the positions of the first and the secondrefracting lens at a rate corresponding to the predetermined frame rate.7. The apparatus for capturing 3D images of claim 4, wherein the firstset of positioning elements are adapted to hold the first refractinglens at a first predetermined angle relative to the optical axis; thesecond set of positioning elements are adapted to hold the secondrefracting lens at a second predetermined angle relative to the opticalaxis; and the first set of positioning elements and the second set ofpositioning elements are mounted to at least one rotating elements thatrotate the first refracting lens and second refracting lens about theoptical axis.
 8. The apparatus for capturing 3D images of claim 7,wherein the at least one rotating elements rotate the first refractinglens and second refracting lens at a rate of revolution corresponding totime period that is a multiple of the predetermined frame rate.
 9. Theapparatus for capturing 3D images of claim 1, wherein the first set ofpositioning elements and the second set of positioning elements areelements that change position in response to a current or voltage at arate corresponding to the predetermined frame rate.
 10. The apparatusfor capturing 3D images of claim 1, wherein the first set of positioningelements and the second set of positioning elements are piezoelectricelements.
 11. A method for capturing 3D images, comprising: passinglight through a lens at a first end of a lens barrel; capturing thelight using an image capture element at a second end of the lens barrel;positioning a first refracting lens along an optical axis of the lensbarrel so that a surface plane of the first refracting lens is notperpendicular to the optical axis, the first refracting lens beingmounted to a first set of positioning elements; and positioning a secondrefracting lens along an optical axis of the lens barrel, between thefirst refracting lens and the image capture element, so that a surfaceplane of the second refracting lens is not perpendicular to the opticalaxis, the second refracting lens being mounted to a second set ofpositioning elements.
 12. The method for capturing 3D images of claim11, wherein the steps of positioning the first refracting lens andsecond refracting lens include aligning the first refracting lens andsecond refracting lens such that a light beam, representing the centerof the field of view, entering the lens barrel at a first angle,relative to the optical axis, is refracted by the first refracting lensto a second angle, relative to the optical axis, and then refractedtowards the center of the image capture element.
 13. The method forcapturing 3D images of claim 11, wherein the steps of positioning thefirst refracting lens and second refracting lens include aligning thefirst refracting lens and second refracting lens such that lightentering the lens barrel at a first angle, relative to the optical axis,is refracted by the first refracting lens to a second angle, relative tothe optical axis, and then refracted to be parallel to the optical axisby the second refracting lens.
 14. The method for capturing 3D images ofclaim 11, wherein the capturing step includes capturing imagescontinually at a predefined frame rate.
 15. The method for capturing 3Dimages of claim 14, wherein the first set of positioning elementscontinually change the position of the first refracting lens todifferent positions from a first series of predetermined positions; thesecond set of positioning elements continually change the position ofthe position of the second refracting lens to different positions from afirst series of predetermined positions; the positions in the firstseries of predetermined positions be correlated to the positions in thesecond series of predetermined positions.
 16. The method for capturing3D images of claim 15, wherein the first set of positioning elements andthe second set of positioning elements change the positions of the firstand the second refracting lens at a rate corresponding the predeterminedframe rate.
 17. The method for capturing 3D images of claim 14, whereinthe first set of positioning elements hold the first refracting lens ata first predetermined angle relative to the optical axis; the second setof positioning elements hold the second refracting lens at a secondpredetermined angle relative to the optical axis; and further comprisingat least one rotating element that rotates the first refracting lens andsecond refracting lens about the optical axis.
 18. The method forcapturing 3D images of claim 17, wherein the at least one rotatingelements rotate the first refracting lens and second refracting lens ata rate of revolution corresponding to a multiple of the predeterminedframe rate.
 19. The method for capturing 3D images of claim 11, whereinthe first set of positioning elements and the second set of positioningelements are elements that receive a current or voltage at a ratecorresponding to the predetermined frame rate.
 20. The method forcapturing 3D images of claim 11, wherein the first set of positioningelements and the second set of positioning elements are piezoelectricelements.